Buzz Bin

This year's most exciting Monster Truck Moment was when Blue Thunder got stuck straight up in the air trying to jump over the cars and a dump truck had to push him over and pull him out of the arena with a chain. No Grave Digger this year, but Digger's replacement, Monster Mutt, won the freestyle competition by chasing his own tail while his floppy ears and big red tongue were sticking out.

There was one downbeat episode, however. After leading the two sides of the arena -- kids and parents alike -- in a yelling/screaming/cheering competition, the announcer issued the following judgment: "I said scream like you mean it, and none of you did. So no one gets the prize." Then he took his stuffed Monster Mutt toy and walked off the stage.

Dads and sons in matching Monster Mutt jackets looked bewildered and bereft. They wanted that toy.

Shocking Developments

Seeing the Big Easy packed with Shock fans for the team's cheerleader try-outs -- honest-to-God fans, not just dudes looking to see young girls in sports bras -- made us think the Spokeezy might have the necessary base for one of those professional teams. (Like pro-pro, not semi-pro.)

Anyway, the actual dancing was impressive. You'll be happy to know that our two favorites, Ki Ki and Jessika, both made the team.

Pets in Peril

The Coeur d'Alene Animal Shelter is closing its doors for good later this month. Any of the shelter's animals that have not been adopted will be euthanized. Animal lovers who would like to adopt a dog or cat, however (and save its life), will find that adoption fees have been waived. The shelter is located just off Government Way, at 125 Hazel Avenue. Call (208) 665-7379.

Color Us Green

Jeff Howard of Spokane's Habitat for Humanity re-use store will explain how to keep quality building materials out of our landfills while reclaiming them for use in eco-friendly building projects on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 7-9 pm in the basement of Global Credit Union, 1520 W. Third Ave. Visit www.ecobuilding.org or call 329-3448.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays. Continues through Aug. 31

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The new one is smart and funny and action-packed, and it’s bigger and better and sleeker. And Downey does it again, this time ramping up Stark’s arrogant wisecracking, telling anyone who’ll listen (mostly women) that, via the creation of his powerful Iron Man suit, he’s brought years of uninterrupted peace to the world.